The ever persistent rumors of a BMW supercar surfaces again. This time, Automobile claims that a 600+ hp BMW M8 supercar is headed for a 2016 debut (to celebrate BMW's 100th anniversary).

Although BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is said to be ambivalent on the idea of a supercar, BMW M President Dr. Friedrich Nitschke remains dogged on the project while getting creative by considering the production of the M8 on the same carbon fiber / aluminum platform as the i8 hybrid electric sports car. This would not only create production economies of scale (less expensive production costs) while also giving the M8 a significant weight advantage over its rivals.

If such a supercar was indeed built, giving it an M8 nameplate shouldn't pose an issue or conflict. Unlike the 1 Series M Coupe which was not badged as the M1 because of the already existing legendary car from the late 70's, an M version of the 8 Series never saw production. There was a single prototype M8 built and powered by a 550hp version of the BMW M70 V12 engine, but it never made it to production and BMW built the 375hp 850CSi instead.

Or, this supercar may not even be badged as an M8, but receive an even higher designation - such as the M10, a name which BMW trademarked this year [see list]. An M1 nameplate revival was also rumored earlier this year.

While a BMW supercar may yet come, the rumored Z2 roadster is reportedly stillborn, at least in RWD form. CEO Reithofer reportedly nixed the return of a compact RWD roadster because the numbers did not work out. If a compact roadster returns at some point in the future, it will be built on a FWD platform which it will share with the MINI convertible.

* The image used for illustration above is an artist's render only and is not based on any particular rumors or clues as to what an M8/M10 successor may resemble.

The next MINI Coupe and Roadster will spawn a similar twinned BMW Coupe and Roadster models expected to be designated Z1.

With the success of the MINI Coupe and Roadster BMW and MINI see fit to further expand MINI from a design angle and broaden the cars visually.
The next interpretation of the MINI Coupe and Roadster will feature their own distinguished design to seperate from the next MINI 3dr and 5dr hatch.

The success of the MINI Countryman has allowed MINI to further individualize the model variations to each segment , boosting marketability and visual appeal yet retain that essence of MINI with the penchant for unconventional methods. Forthcoming MINI models - MINI Traveller , MINI Paceman XL and MINI sedan are clear example of the new brand philosophy.

The BMW models will be developed using the forthcoming "Z" design language which is heavily derived from the well received Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car from 2011.
Currently under the guise of "Z Sportcoupe and Z Sportster" in Munich, both will be based off the FWD UKL architecture to provide greater economies of scale for both BMW and MINI.
Both of the new cars under MINI and BMW will utilse the latest three cylinder engine with potential for more power than standard models.

The strategy for the Z2 now becomes the Z3 as BMW resort back to the well-received name plate , Z3 will also replace Z4 and resort back to a folding soft-top roof. A Z4 replacement , entitled Z5 will move up one segment yet retain a folding hard top.

The next MINI Coupe and Roadster will spawn a similar twinned BMW Coupe and Roadster models expected to be designated Z1.

With the success of the MINI Coupe and Roadster BMW and MINI see fit to further expand MINI from a design angle and broaden the cars visually.
The next interpretation of the MINI Coupe and Roadster will feature their own distinguished design to seperate from the next MINI 3dr and 5dr hatch.

The success of the MINI Countryman has allowed MINI to further individualize the model variations to each segment , boosting marketability and visual appeal yet retain that essence of MINI with the penchant for unconventional methods. Forthcoming MINI models - MINI Traveller , MINI Paceman XL and MINI sedan are clear example of the new brand philosophy.

The BMW models will be developed using the forthcoming "Z" design language which is heavily derived from the well received Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car from 2011.
Currently under the guise of "Z Sportcoupe and Z Sportster" in Munich, both will be based off the FWD UKL architecture to provide greater economies of scale for both BMW and MINI.
Both of the new cars under MINI and BMW will utilse the latest three cylinder engine with potential for more power than standard models.

The strategy for the Z2 now becomes the Z3 as BMW resort back to the well-received name plate , Z3 will also replace Z4 and resort back to a folding soft-top roof. A Z4 replacement , entitled Z5 will move up one segment yet retain a folding hard top.

I was about to loose faith in BMW when I read that the Z2 was going to be canceled. At least the Z3 will be RWD, smaller, and sportier than the current Z4. I am also glad to see they are ditching the hard top roof. While cool it has added too much weight.

As for the supercar naming I think it needs to be either the M1 or the M10.
Or just badge it as ///M

If they want to build a true true super car, they should build a 2 seater.. Like M-Z8 or M-Z10 or just give it a new special name.
Don't revive the M1 name, and allow usage of name M1 for M version of future 1 series.
I like BMW for having simple numerized models instead of letters that are almost completely random.

8 series should be 2 door, 4 seater. It should be to 7 series what 6 series is to 5 series.
9 series and 10 series should be reserved for future cars like CS that bridge the gap to Rolls.

The next MINI Coupe and Roadster will spawn a similar twinned BMW Coupe and Roadster models expected to be designated Z1.

With the success of the MINI Coupe and Roadster BMW and MINI see fit to further expand MINI from a design angle and broaden the cars visually.
The next interpretation of the MINI Coupe and Roadster will feature their own distinguished design to seperate from the next MINI 3dr and 5dr hatch.

The success of the MINI Countryman has allowed MINI to further individualize the model variations to each segment , boosting marketability and visual appeal yet retain that essence of MINI with the penchant for unconventional methods. Forthcoming MINI models - MINI Traveller , MINI Paceman XL and MINI sedan are clear example of the new brand philosophy.

The BMW models will be developed using the forthcoming "Z" design language which is heavily derived from the well received Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car from 2011.
Currently under the guise of "Z Sportcoupe and Z Sportster" in Munich, both will be based off the FWD UKL architecture to provide greater economies of scale for both BMW and MINI.
Both of the new cars under MINI and BMW will utilse the latest three cylinder engine with potential for more power than standard models.

The strategy for the Z2 now becomes the Z3 as BMW resort back to the well-received name plate , Z3 will also replace Z4 and resort back to a folding soft-top roof. A Z4 replacement , entitled Z5 will move up one segment yet retain a folding hard top.

So Z1 is going to be compact 2 seater coupe/roadster, Z3 is going to be successor to current Z4, and Z5 will be a bigger roadster? Like successor to Z8 and a SL competitor? Thanks

Right now i have an M3 and a mini coupe JCW. The mini is a blast to drive, as it it light and small. I would love to see a Z3M hardtop. I missed the boat on the Z4M coupe but wouldjump on a lightweight, smaller RWD 2-seater coupe. The only thing the mini is missing is RWD.

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Exactly. That is what I want to see. I was disappointed when I saw the headline stating the Z2 would be nixed, though it sounds like it will materialize as the Z3 instead which is fine with me. I do find it curious that so many people are asking for a BMW supercar because I wonder how many of them could actually afford it. You would think people would be more interested in a back to basics RWD roadster/coupe (especially if there are M models) due to it being more attainable than a supercar. I guess it is that halo car people aspire to own.